Community River Arts launched its newly-formed arts group at the weekend by holding a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party fundraiser, with all proceeds going to the Cancer Council.
Held at the Barooga Recreation Hall, the event was attended by more than 60 people, who came along to offer their support.
Guests were welcomed by Sandi Hamilton who introduced members of the group and the morning commenced with some delicious hot and cold finger food.
This was followed by a moving story told by cancer survivor Sharon Dunne, of her struggle with stage three breast cancer.
Ms Dunne spent one whole year of her life undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatment.
She spoke of the devastation caused by the treatment, losing her hair, some of her teeth and fingernails.
Diagnosed at age 45, Ms Dunne is now 61 and well, but does not take her health lightly, having a mammogram every year.
She encourages others to have anything that appears unusual checked immediately.
Local musical group the ‘Ukuladies’ performed a range of popular songs from groups such as ABBA and The Beatles, while many took to the dance floor.
With lots of smiles and laughter, the event was a great success and organisers proudly announced that, thanks to those who attended, they had raised in the vicinity of $2000, which will now be forwarded to the Cancer Council.